Topic: United Nations

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Meet the floating plant that has Lake Victoria's economy in a chokehold

Massive mats of invasive water hyacinth are creeping their way across the lake, severely disrupting local fishermen and sending scientists scrambling for a way to stop the runaway weed.
Argentina's judicial reform: positive step or consolidation of power?

Six new laws will move forward in Argentina's Congress tomorrow. Some rein in cronyism, while others could limit personal freedoms and threaten checks and balances.
Why China is welcoming both Israel's Netanyahu and Palestinians' Abbas

The coinciding visits to Beijing of the Israeli prime minister and the Palestinian Authority president this week speak to China's growing interests in the Middle East.
Syria civil war: This week could be decisive for US involvement

Secretary of State John Kerry travels to Moscow to discuss international pressure on Syria, following Israel’s targeted airstrikes on Damascus over the weekend.
Energy Voices Is OPEC coming apart at the seams?

In a lackluster economy, there hasn't been much from OPEC members to suggest there was any sort of revival, Graeber writes. But with seven of the 12 members of the cartel experiencing at least some form of upheaval, the cost of doing business suggests members may need more than a little bit of luck to return to glory.
The Monitor's View Israeli strike in Syria tips a civil war toward a global response

The Israeli strike in Syria represents a regional escalation that should push the UN or West to find a way to prevent a collapse of Syrian society. But first, the world must decide what would fill Syria's void. Democracy?
Terrorism & Security UN investigator suggests it was Syria's rebels who used chemical weapons

Rebel forces denied the claims by Carla Del Ponte. The UN commission she leads emphasized today that the investigators had not yet reached conclusive findings.
Opinion US intervention in Syria must be legitimate in eyes of international law (+video)

Israeli air strikes on Damascus and the conflicting reports on the use of chemical weapons (sarin gas) may complicate President Obama's decision on intervention in Syria. The US must consider the international laws of war before taking any action.
Israeli attacks inside Syria risk widening war

Israel, as well as Syria and its Lebanese-ally Hezbollah, has little interest in a wider conflict. But as Israel grows more assertive across its borders, the chance of a miscalculation is on the rise.
US, Israeli officials confirm, Israel launched air strike in Syria

A US official confirmed the Israeli army targeted a building in Syria in an attempt to stop a shipment of Syrian missiles to Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. Israel is invested in keeping Syrian weapons out of the hands of Hezbollah, an ally of Iran.
'Palestine' finds a new home as Google follows 'lead of the UN'

The Internet search giant Google said it was 'following the lead of the UN' in changing its references from 'Palestinian Territories' to 'Palestine.'
Somali pirates have not mounted a successful hijacking for nearly a year

Somali pirates: US diplomat Donna Leigh Hopkins credits the combined efforts of international naval forces and stepped-up security on ships including the use of armed guards.
Terrorism & Security US and Britain consider arming Syrian rebels (+video)

The bar is set high, but the US could begin providing body armor, night-vision goggles, rifles, and other basic arms to Syria's rebels.
Did detained American's Christianity scare North Korean regime?

North Korea's sentencing of a detained American to 15 years hard labor could be an attention-getting ploy. But Kenneth Bae is a devout Christian, and 'the regime is scared to death of Christianity.'
Decoder Wire Jon Stewart channels Dr. Seuss to mock Obama's 'red line' on Syria

Jon Stewart joins a chorus of critics poking fun at President Obama's shifting red line on Syria. But polls signal that most Americans oppose US involvement in Syria – or aren't following the issue.
Family of blind activist Chen Guangcheng 'tormented' in China

Prison authorities have refused a medical request for the jailed nephew of the prominent human rights activist, highlighting a pattern of persecution of activists' relatives.
As world dials back death penalty, Japan heads in opposite direction

Two gangsters were hanged in Japan last week. More executions are likely under new Prime Minister Abe, who has expressed strong support for the death penalty – and says the public backs him.
Obama 'red line' on Syrian chemical weapons gets a bit grayer

President Obama has said Syria's use of chemical weapons would be a 'red line.' Evidence is mounting, but Obama's desire for an international response throws prospects for action into doubt.
Blue helmet drones? UN prepares to send drones over Africa.

High-tech, unarmed drones in Central and West African states can track guerrillas and swing the intelligence battle; UN chief Ban Ki-moon favors the idea.
Africa Monitor Do African nations have an ulterior motive in joining UN Congo brigade?

A UN 'intervention brigade' will enter the country this summer to fight Congolese rebels. But the countries sending troops have a political agenda as well.
Stir It Up! Black pepper beef with Kampot pepper from the Pepper Project

Black pepper beef is a weeknight-quick classic Chinese stir fry. Onion, fresh ginger, red bell pepper, celery, garlic and lots of black pepper offer plenty of flavor. The Pepper Project helps Cambodian pepper farmers and communities.
Briefing Chemical weapons 101: Six facts about sarin and Syria’s stockpile

President Obama said Assad's use of chemical weapons would be a 'red line' for US. Did he use sarin or any other chemical weapon against his own people?
The Monitor's View Of one mind about chemical weapons and protecting the innocent

Probable evidence of chemical-gas use in Syria may soon force world leaders to intervene. Their decision should be based on a principle enshrined in a global ban of such weapons – a respect for the innocence of civilians in not being harmed by this indiscriminate tool of war.
Energy Voices Hope for US-China collaboration on climate change, clean energy

China and the United States are the largest emitters of greenhouse gases in the world, Holland writes. A recent agreement between the two countries bodes well for promoting clean energy and addressing climate change globally.
Can a blimp curb drug trafficking in Latin America? The US hopes so.

After sweeping US budget cuts, the Pentagon is testing new tools to stop drug trafficking in Latin America and the Caribbean: a blimp tethered to the back of a boat and a hand-launched drone.